# Tunisia pharma sector faces power cuts, price disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tunisia-pharmaceutical-sector-challenges
> Updated: 2026-08-03T12:49:03.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

Repeated, unplanned electricity outages continued to jeopardise the cold‑chain for temperature‑sensitive medicines. In late July, the National Organisation of Entrepreneurs (ONE) escalated its response by establishing a legal cell to help affected firms file claims, urging authorities to prioritise power supply to industrial zones, create a multi‑party crisis cell, ensure transparent damage reporting and set up compensation mechanisms. The National Order of Pharmacists (CNOPT) sent a formal request to STEG’s chief executive for an emergency meeting to discuss immediate solutions and a strategic plan for continuity of pharmaceutical services.

The price‑revision announced by the Central Pharmacy, affecting roughly 300 medicines, sparked renewed criticism. The Private Pharmacy Owners’ Union reiterated that pharmacists had been excluded from the drug‑purchase commission and the drug observatory, demanding that any price changes be based on objective, transparent criteria that reflect citizens’ purchasing power and the sector’s viability. Deputies in parliament joined the protest, warning that higher costs threaten access for patients with chronic or serious illnesses and calling for a national vision on drug pricing, greater transparency and safeguards for low‑income patients. The Central Pharmacy defended the modest hikes, stating they apply only to a limited set of imported medicines whose tariffs had not been updated for years, and are intended to cover rising import costs and prevent shortages.

Earlier in July, the pharmacists’ council advised citizens to store medicines in cool, dry places during heat waves, while the Tunisian Pharmacy Union confirmed it would continue applying the third‑party payment agreement with the National Health Insurance Fund amid ongoing negotiations over delayed payments and invoicing irregularities.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-03: Tunisia's central pharmacy defends limited drug price hikes amid parliamentary criticism

Tunisian MPs protest modest drug price hikes, while the Central Pharmacy says only a few imported medicines saw small increases to ensure supply.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisias-central-pharmacy-defends-limited-drug-price-hikes-amid-parliamentary-criticism

### 2026-07-31: Tunisia pharmacy sector faces drug‑storage warnings and third‑party payment talks

Tunisia's pharmacy sector sees CNOPT warn on drug storage during heat waves and Spot maintain third‑party payment while negotiating a new agreement with Cnam.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-pharmacy-sector-faces-drugstorage-warnings-and-thirdparty-payment-talks

### 2026-07-25: Tunisia revises prices of 300 medicines, prompting private pharmacists' call for transparency

Tunisia's Central Pharmacy raised prices for about 300 drugs; private pharmacy owners demand transparent, objective criteria and cite impact on citizens and supply.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-revises-prices-of-300-medicines-prompting-private-pharmacists-call-for-transparency

### 2026-07-22: Tunisia electricity cuts prompt legal action and urgent pharma meeting

Tunisia’s entrepreneurs and pharmacists blame STEG for repeated power cuts, citing industrial losses and risks to medicines, and are pursuing legal action and an emergency meeting to protect businesses and患者安全.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-electricity-cuts-prompt-legal-action-and-urgent-pharma-meeting

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Cite as: Tunisia pharma sector faces power cuts, price disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tunisia-pharmaceutical-sector-challenges